Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses for use in electrophoretic separation of macromolecules and/or cells.

Abstract: A support body includes a concentrating portion, which concentrates an object, between a first end portion and a second end portion. When an area of a cut section of a flow path when cut at a predetermined position in a first direction along a plane orthogonal to the first direction is a flow path cross-sectional area, a flow path cross-sectional area of the concentrating portion is smaller than a flow path cross-sectional area in a first region closer to a first end portion side than the concentrating portion, and a flow path cross-sectional area of a second region closer to the second end portion side than the concentrating portion is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the concentrating portion.

Abstract: Articles and methods for the active transport of molecules into, within, and/or from a matrix are generally described. In some embodiments, an electric field may be used to alter the position of the molecule with respect to the matrix. The electric field may be used to move the molecule to a new location within the matrix, remove the molecule from the matrix, or infuse the molecule into the matrix. For instance, the electric field may be used to move a molecule having a binding partner within the matrix into or away from the vicinity of the binding partner. In some embodiments, the position of the molecule may be altered by exposing the molecule to an electrodynamic field. In some such embodiments, the molecule exposed to the dynamic electric field may have enhanced mobility and minimal adverse matrix interactions relative to conventional molecular transport methods, and in some cases, a molecule exposed to an electrostatic field.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed that does not discharge and achieves both compactness and performance even with a part configuration having insufficient spatial distance or creeping distance. This capillary electrophoresis apparatus is provided with a resistance heater for heating capillaries, an electrode holder that holds capillary electrodes and is connected to a high-voltage unit, and a conductive member that at least partially comprises metal and has been grounded to a low potential. The electrode holder and conductive member are in contact with heat-dissipating rubber disposed there between that composes a structure comprising an insulation member. As a result of this configuration, discharge risk is reduced through the reduction of the potential of parts near the high-voltage unit and the slow reduction of the high potential of the high-voltage unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for rapidly and uniformly cooling thermal cycling systems comprising selectively heating or cooling a thermal boundary layer at the edge of a bulk fluid flow.

Abstract: An electrophoretic device for detecting biomarkers in collected bodily fluid and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Separation methods based on electrophoresis or chromatography that use a stationary phase including fibril cellulose.

Abstract: Electrophoretic separation devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the devices include a polymeric separation medium that includes a plurality of microwells. Also provided are methods, systems and kits in which the subject devices find use. The devices and methods find use in a variety of different electrophoretic separation applications.

Abstract: An electrophoresis running tank assembly uses two opposed rows of LEDs to illuminate DNA-containing gel on a transparent tray positioned between the rows. A respective cylindrical lens is positioned horizontally between each row and a respective edge of the tray. The optical axis of the illumination light is midway between a bottom surface of the gel tray and a top surface of the gel.

Abstract: Provided herein is an artificial muscle capable of being miniaturized, realizing precision movement, and performing selective relaxation/contraction deformation according to the power output necessary in the muscle, the muscle including a first operation unit that includes electro-active polymer where relaxation-deformation occurs based on electric energy being applied; a heating unit that generates heat energy based on the electric being applied; a second operation unit that has a yarn structure and where contraction-deformation occurs based on the heat energy generated in the heating unit; and a control unit that applies electric energy to the first operation unit and the heating unit.

Abstract: Electrophoresis tray arranged to support an electrophoresis cassette for miming electrophoresis experiments, the electrophoresis cassette comprising a gel member in a housing with a front and a back face, wherein the tray comprises a cassette support surface for supporting at least the separation zone of the electrophoresis cassette during electrophoresis, and wherein the cassette support surface is flanked by a pair of buffer pad holders each one arranged to hold a buffer pad in a mating position with respect to buffer connection sections at the back face of the electrophoresis cassette.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for purifying proteins and other target molecules based on pI are provided.

Abstract: Techniques for enhanced isotachophoresis assays using additives with spatial gradients include forming a concentration gradient of an additive along a channel from an input port to an output port. The channel is used for isotachophoresis with ions of a leading electrolyte having a first mobility greater than a mobility of an analyte, and ions of a trailing electrolyte having a second mobility less than the mobility of the analyte. The additive is different from both the leading electrolyte and the trailing electrolyte; and the additive has a third mobility that assures the analyte will encounter the additive. The method further comprises introducing a mixture of the trailing electrolyte and a sample including the analyte. The method further comprises applying an electric field to the channel; and, measuring the analyte.

Abstract: Electrophoresis gel cassette comprising a first and a second face wall member and one or more side wall members, defining a gel compartment for a gel member with a first and second face, wherein the first face wall member has high gel adhesion compared to the second face wall member, whereby a gel member molded in the cassette will stay attached to the high gel adhesion face wall member when the cassette is opened, and wherein the first face wall member is provided with at least one removable section to expose a section of the first face of the gel member, the removable section of the first face wall member having lower gel adhesion compared to the non-removable part of the first face wall member.

Abstract: The invention relates to, among other things, a method for performing electrophoresis with in-situ calibration. The method includes combining a volume of a test sample with a volume or quantity of a calibrating sample to form a final volume, where the volume of the calibrating sample includes a known concentration of a calibrator and the final volume includes a known ratio of test sample to calibrating sample. The method also includes depositing a loading fraction in a receiving well of an electrophoretic gel, in which the loading fraction is a fraction of the final volume, and separating the loading fraction along a common separation lane of the electrophoretic gel such that components of the test sample and the calibrator are separated from one another along the common separation lane.

Abstract: An electrophoresis system is provided. The system includes a buffer chamber box having a front surface. The buffer chamber box is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a divider. The system also includes a gel plate. A gel chamber is formed by the gel plate and the front surface of the buffer chamber box. The first chamber has a first electrode and a first conductive path member. The second chamber has a second electrode and a second conductive path member.

Abstract: An automated laboratory system and method allow high-throughput and fully automated processing of materials, such as liquids including genetic materials. The invention includes a variety of aspects that may be combined into a single system. For example, processing may be performed by a plurality of robotic-equipped modular stations, where each modular station has its own unique environment in which processes are performed. Transport devices, such as conveyor belts, may move objects between modular stations, saving movement for robots in the modular stations. Gels used for gel electrophoresis may be extruded, thus decreasing the time needed to form such gels. Robotically-operated well forming tools allow wells to be formed in gels in a registered and accurate way.

Abstract: The detrimental effect of oxygen exposure on the formation of polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels in oxygen-permeable plastic cassettes is reduced or eliminated either by the use of an oxygen barrier material over the surfaces of the plastic walls of the cassette through which oxygen would otherwise pass into the cassette cavity, or by the incorporation of an oxygen scavenger in the plastic from which the cassette walls are made, or both.

Abstract: A electrophoresis device having glass gel cell fast assemble structure is provided, including a main body, a pair of electrode connection terminals attached to the main body, and side clamping parts pivotally connected to the main body on respective side of the main body for maintaining at least one glass gel cell to a surface of the main body. At least one sealing and positioning structure is provided on a surface of the main body including a U-shaped sealing strip partially inlayed on at least one surface of the main body, and at least a pair of positioning poles perpendicularly attached to the main body, wherein the U-shaped sealing strip having a U-shaped body to form a seal between the main body and the gel cell, and positioning protrusions formed on the respective free end of the U-shaped body.

Abstract: An electrophoresis system includes a pedestal including a base, two enlargements at both ends of the base respectively, two cavities in the enlargements respectively, and a transparent plate on top of the base; a photographic filter member provided on the top of the base; a control panel on one enlargement; an electrophoresis tank provided between the enlargements; a covering member releasably provided on the pedestal for concealing the electrophoresis tank; a gel block in the electrophoresis tank for holding DNA samples in place; LED lamps in each cavity, the LED lamps being for emitting blue light toward the DNA samples; a hollow mount on the covering member and including a sliding tray; a photographic filter releasably disposed on the tray; and a picture taking device mounted on the hollow mount.

Abstract: Molecular species that are immobilized in discrete locations on a planar support such as protein bands on a gel or a blotting membrane or species applied in dots or spots on a membrane are reacted with binding reagents that are applied through a porous hydrophilic transfer sheet placed over the planar support, the sheet having at least one region that is laterally bordered by a barrier with the binding reagent retained within the bordered region. The bordered region is placed directly over an area on the planar support where the molecular species are expected to reside if they are present on the support. The binding reagent is then delivered into the support to contact the species. Targeted delivery of the binding reagent is thus achieved with improved efficiency.

Abstract: A pre-packaged electrophoresis cassette (1), the cassette (1) comprising a gel layer (2) and a buffer solution layer (3), the gel layer comprising a first polymer made from a monomer and a cross-linker, and being in contact with the buffer solution layer to form a gel-buffer interface (4) for receiving a sample which is to undergo electrophoresis. The gel and/or the buffer solution are such that absorption of water by the gel layer from the buffer solution layer is inhibited, thereby maintaining the performance capabilities of the electrophoresis cassette during storage.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a sample separating section for containing a sample separating medium for separating a sample in a horizontal direction, the sample separating section containing the sample separating medium in such a manner that the sample separating medium has an exposed portion at least one end of a surface of the sample separating medium, the surface being in parallel with the horizontal direction; and medium connecting means for connecting a sample containing medium to the sample separating medium at a connecting region, the sample containing medium containing a sample, and the connecting region satisfying a particular equation. By this, an electrophoresis technique with better accuracy than conventional arts can be provided.

Abstract: A gel cassette adaptor for use with an electrophoresis system gel cassette is disclosed herein. The gel cassette adaptor allows a single gel cassette to be compatible with more than one electrophoresis system. In one example embodiment, the gel cassette adaptor includes an open sided trough having an attachment perimeter and an attachment flange coupled to the attachment perimeter. The attachment flange is designed to be compatible for mating with a gel cassette that is compatible with a first electrophoresis system. After attachment of the gel cassette adaptor, the resulting gel cassette assembly is compatible with a second electrophoresis system. Also provided is a gel cassette that includes a stabilizer post that connects the cassette plates to maintain a constant gap width between the plates during electrophoresis. In reducing deformation of the gap space between plates during gel runs, the stabilizer post can improve electrophoresis results for wide format gels.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a horizontal monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second buffer chambers containing buffer solution and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast flat gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, target samples are loaded into the pre-cast gel, interior walls of the unit are broken to allow buffer from anode and cathode chambers to combine within the gel chamber and cover the loaded gel matrix, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the horizontal monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the flat pre-cast gel.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second buffer chambers containing buffer solution and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, followed by removing a gel chamber seal from over the gel chamber, such that, buffer solution contacts the pre-cast gel within such gel chamber. Target samples are loaded into the gel chamber for contact with the pre-cast gel, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the monolithic electrophoresis unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the pre-cast gel.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second chambers containing one or more buffer solutions and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, followed by optionally removing a gel chamber seal from over the gel chamber, such that, buffer solution contacts the pre-cast gel within the gel chamber. Target samples are loaded into the gel chamber for contact with the pre-cast gel, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the monolithic electrophoresis unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the pre-cast gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrogels containing water and polyethylene glycol-dimethacrylates in a polymerized form. The polymethacrylate blocks are so short that they form no proper phase. The invention further relates to methods for producing said hydrogels. The inventive hydrogels are provided with reduced haze and are used as materials for contact lenses, electrophoresis gels, membrane materials, and sound-absorbing materials.

Abstract: A kit for determining for a female subject the implantation potential of embryos obtained or to be obtained by assisted fertilization is described. The kit includes at least one reagent suitable for detection of levels of FF G-CSF or FF G-CSF mRNA, such as anti-G-CSF antibody or a nucleic acid probe for detection of levels of G-CSF mRNA. The kit may also include a set of concentration standards of FF G-CSF and aspirator tips for removing an oocyte and follicular fluid.

Abstract: Horizontal electrophoresis is performed in a cell that includes a tank and a pair of electrodes, each mounted on an electrode support that is easily inserted into and removed from the tank, and once inserted, is secured in position by one or more spring-loaded, manual-release locking features.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating single- and double-stranded nucleic acid molecules based on their strandness and length.

Abstract: A tank apparatus (10) for horizontal electrophoresis that comprises a base member (12) having at least first and second independent receptacles (16, 18) for accommodating buffer solution. Each of the receptacles comprises an inlet (28, 28?) for allowing communication with the external environment. A cover member (14) covers at least the first and second receptacles, thereby forming first and second buffer chambers. The cover member comprising suitable openings (40, 42) for allowing a portion of an electrophoresis gel cassette to be inserted therethrough, such that the electrophoresis gel is in communication with the contents of each of the first and second receptacles. Each of a pair of electrodes (33, 33?) is situated in one of each of the first and second receptacles, wherein the electrodes are connectable to an electrical power supply.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrophoresis, in particular pre-cast mini gels with a low fluorescent polymer backing that is not adherent to the gel. Use of this type of small gel simplifies blotting procedures, such as Southern and Western blotting, after electrophoresis.

Abstract: A technique for producing multiple protein blots from a single gel, including entering the number ‘n’ membranes to be blotted into microprocessor memory, determining calibration constants for a gel batch, inputting calibration constants into microprocessor memory, and calculating ‘n’ voltage/time profiles for simultaneous blotting. A gel layer from the gel batch is treated with a protein sample, ‘n’ membranes are placed onto the gel layer to yield a gel pack, and the gel pack is placed between an electrode plate maintained at a fixed first voltage and an array of ‘n’ spaced generally parallel electrodes. The voltage to each respective ‘n’ spaced generally parallel electrodes is varied over time according to a respective ‘n’ voltage/time profile to transfer proteins to each respective ‘n’ membranes to yield blotted membranes to yield ‘n’ respective blotted membranes.

Abstract: A slab gel cassette is formed from generally flat plates welded together along their borders with a gel space between the plates that is open at the top and bottom edges of the plates to expose the opposing ends of a gel in the gel space to buffer solutions in which electrodes are immersed. The plates are shaped such that the weld line does not intersect with the bottom opening of the gel space. Sealing of the bottom of the gel space, which is necessary for gel casting, is achieved by placing a sealing strip over the bottom opening with no danger of leakage of the gel solution along a weld line.

Abstract: In a microfluidic device, respective motion of a plurality of objects along corresponding trajectories is achieved by determining a force field, such as an underlying fluid flow which, when applied to the plurality of object, moves each object along its corresponding trajectory. The force field is a linear superposition of a subset of all force fields supported by the physical characteristics of the microfluidic device. Once the fields have been ascertained, a plurality of actuation signals corresponding to the fields is applied to actuators installed on the microfluidic device to cause the force on each object. By implementing a feedback structure, corrections for positional errors may be made by computing a corrective force for each object and adjusting the actuation signals appropriately thereto.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel has a colored or pigmented loading area at one edge having a plurality of sample wells for receiving samples, the loading area extending beyond the ends of the wells so that the wells can be visually differentiated from the surrounding colored material in the loading area. The remainder of the gel is transparent or substantially transparent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented that facilitate electrophoresis of prior-cast, hydratable separation media, usefully immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips. The method exploits the swelling of prior-cast, hydratable separation media upon rehydration to help lodge the media in an enclosing member that permits spaced electrical communication with the enclosed separation media. The electrical communication permits a voltage gradient to be established in the enclosed separation medium sufficient to effect separation of analytes therein. Cassettes, buffer cores, electrophoresis systems and kits are presented for effecting the methods of the invention.

Abstract: An In-Situ gel casting machine comprising a gel casting stand (1), a rubber cushion (2), and a locking base (3). Overlapping a notched glass (121) with a glass plate (122) tightly together will form a gel room (123), it is called as the slab gel casting mold (12). Put the same two slab gel casting molds (12) into each side of the portable casting stand (11) along its insides, and then insert the wedge frames (13) against each slab gel casting mold (12), which will form the gel-casting stand (1). Because each sidewall locking structure (32) of the locking base (3) compresses the slab gel casting molds from two directions, it ensures that the slab gel casting molds are sealed well. Without moving the slab gel casting molds, an electrophoresis experiment can be started right after the gel has been solidified, which can avoid the leakage of the gel solution and the production of air bubbles into the slab gel casting molds.

Abstract: A gel and buffer system for gel electrophoresis wherein separation occurs at neutral pH.

Abstract: A gel and buffer system for gel electrophoresis wherein separation occurs at neutral pH.

Abstract: There is provided an electrophoresis device including an insulator that includes: a first-separating-medium storing section for storing therein a first separating medium; a first opening and a second opening that are in communication with the first-separating-medium storing section and for defining a direction of separation on the first separating medium; and a third opening that is covered with a penetrable insulating thin film, wherein the first separating medium storing section is in communication with outside via the first opening and the second opening. There is also provided an electrophoresis apparatus including the electrophoresis device. This realizes an electrophoresis apparatus, and a device therefor, that enables an operator to sample separated proteins without ever making contact with the electrophoresed gel, and that can easily be used with various types of analyses, thereby improving convenience of electrophoresis.

Abstract: Electrophoretic systems, formulations and methods are described which allow a user to perform electrophoresis experiments under conditions of high voltage and with reduced run time. An electrophoretic system, formulation or method may be run at 50% higher field strength than comparable systems already in use in the art. The presently described systems and formulations may be run at voltages above 225 V, above 250 V, above 275 V, above 300 V, above 325 V or above 350 V. The time required for performing an electrophoresis experiment may be reduced to less than about 30 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, less than about 15 minutes or less than about 12 minutes.

Abstract: Described is a process for the separation of a sample mixture for analytical reason based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The method is involving a first separation in a first gel strip on the basis of isoelectric points and a second separation in a second gel on the basis of molecular size. When starting the separation in the second dimension the buffer solution for transferring the compounds separated in the first dimension into the second dimension gel is containing sodium dodecyl-sulfate (SDS) and by applying an electric field the SDS migrates electrokinetically into the first gel strip, and the compounds are being complexed simultaneously with SDS.

Abstract: A medium is provided, being adapted to be applied in electrophoretic separation of nucleic acids. The medium comprises a staining reagent adapted to stain nucleic acids. Said medium further comprises a urea derivative, adapted to interact with said staining reagent and thereby providing an enhanced staining of said nucleic acids. Further, an electrophoresis device is provided, adapted to perform electrophoretic separation of nucleic acids, comprising the before medium and comprising electrodes for applying an electrical field across the medium. A method to perform electrophoresis using the before electrophoresis device and medium is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing vertical electrophoresis comprises a main body, a pair of gel plates, a pair of clamping devices, and a lower buffer tank. The clamping devices are slidably attachable to the sides of the main body between a loading position for allowing the gel plates to be inserted into the main body, and a locking position for allowing secure attachment of the gel plates to the main body by a single horizontal sliding movement.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second buffer chambers containing buffer solution and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, followed by removing a gel chamber seal from over the gel chamber, such that, buffer solution contacts the pre-cast gel within such gel chamber. Target samples are loaded into the gel chamber for contact with the pre-cast gel, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the monolithic electrophoresis unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the pre-cast gel.

Abstract: A device providing an arrangement for the separation of a sample mixture for analytical reasons based on multidimensional gel electrophoresis and method thereof are disclosed. The separation involves a first separation in a first dimension of the device on the basis of isoelectric points and a second separation in a second dimension of the device on the basis of molecular size. At least two gel strips for the first dimension separation step and a corresponding gel for the second dimension separation step are provided. The two gel strips are arranged on a single carrier either on the same side or on opposite sides. By having at least two gel strips arranged in such a manner at least two analytical processes can be executed in parallel on the single carrier without the use of valves.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting electrophoresis therein includes a chamber with a gel matrix. The chamber has a first sealed region and a second sealed region, and an anode within the first sealed region of the chamber and in contact with the gel matrix, and a cathode within the second sealed region and in contact with the gel matrix. At least one of the electrodes also provides ions for driving the electrophoresis. The apparatus further includes a matrix with at least one sparingly water-soluble salt.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel has a colored or pigmented loading area at one edge having a plurality of sample wells for receiving samples, the loading area extending beyond the ends of the wells so that the wells can be visually differentiated from the surrounding colored material in the loading area. The remainder of the gel is transparent or substantially transparent.